smp-tpgov
April 24, 2020
Coronavirus Information, COVID-19 TPG Specific Updates

GNO, INC Update – 4/23/2020

Regional Stakeholders,

During a crisis, timely, accurate, and actionable information is important. In order to help you get this information, GNO, Inc. is sending out regular updates. Please see below, and feel free to forward.

April 23, 2020 Update

News

House Passes Additional Small Business Funding Package – This afternoon, the House approved a new $480 billion relief package. The deal includes $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, with $60 billion of that set aside for smaller lending institutions. Further, the deal also includes:
- $50 billion for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- $10 billion for SBA EIDL Advance grants
- $75 billion for hospitals and health care providers to support for Covid-19 expenses and lost revenue
- $25 billion for research to develop, validate, manufacture, purchase and administer Covid-19 tests

The bill will now head to the President for his signature.

Louisiana Economic Recovery Task Force – The Louisiana Economic Recovery Task Force, created by the Legislature, met for the first time this morning. More than 50 business leaders, including GNO, Inc., are charged with developing policy recommendations on how to help Louisiana recover from the shutdown. The group will also draft legislative ideas for a special session that is expected to take place in the coming months. You can read more here.
- Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc. CEO, is serving on the Encouraging Long-Term Economic Growth working group.
Federal Guidance on Stimulus Spending – Today, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana has received guidance from the federal government in regards to how the state may spend the $1.8 billion in funds received through the CARES Act. While the funds are flexible, they may only be spent on expenditures related to COVID-19 and may not be used to replace lost revenue.
Increased Mail-In Voting Options – Yesterday, Louisiana House and Senate committees approved a plan that expands early and mail-in voting options in the state. Under the plan, mail-in voting will be allowed for voters who can attest that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19; are subject to a quarantine or isolation order; are advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine; are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking medical confirmation; or are caring for someone who is quarantined or isolated. The new guidelines would apply to the July 11^th presidential primaries and the August 15^th state and local elections. The plan would also expand early voting options from seven to 13 days. The plan must now be voted on by both the Louisiana House and Senate and be approved by the governor.

Information

GNO, Inc., LRA and NO&Co. HospitalityWebinar – GNO, Inc., and partners at theLouisiana Restaurant Association and New Orleans & Company presented this webinar, which included an in-depth discussion about local and national relief opportunities for businesses and workers in the hospitality industry. Presenting experts addressed a range of programs, including the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Paycheck Protection Program. You can see a recording of the webinar here.
GNO, Inc. Webinar: From F&B to CPG – On April, 28 at 3:00pm, GNO, Inc. will host a webinar that will explore how restaurants that are seeking additional revenue streams can pivot their food and beverage operations to consumer products and goods.
Coronavirus Loan Comparison Chart – You can see a single chsart that compares all loan programs here.

Resources

Are you looking for:

NEW RESOURCE – GNO, Inc. introduces GNOmatch, whereby we provide custom connections between companies with lay-offs, and those hiring for transferable skills.
Online Training? – A catalogue of opportunities for online training from the region’s higher education partners and private training providers can be found here.
Work? – If you want a job in a sector that is surging right now, new openings are on WorkNOLA.com.
Employees? – A database of local talent looking for new job opportunities, including quick employment history and skills summary, is on theWorkNOLA Workforce Directory.
COVID-19 Customers/Purchasers? – If you have pivoted your business to make a new, coronavirus-related product, register onGNOpivot.
COVID-19 Supplies/Services? – If you are looking for PPE, sanitizer, food providers, and other related products and services, search the GNOpivot Resource Tool.